Waithira (2018 film)
Waithira is a 2017 Kenyan–South African biographical documentary film directed by Eva Njoki Munyiri. The film explores the director's personal history and its intersections with Kenyan history, migration, and identity.[1][2] It combines elements of memoir and documentary to examine themes of diaspora, memory, and family lineage.[1]
Plot
The film follows Eva Munyiri as she embarks on a journey to uncover the story of her paternal grandmother, also named Waithira.[1] Having left Kenya at a young age and lived across multiple continents, Munyiri travels to Germany, Wales, and Kenya searching for her roots.[1]
Along the way, she encounters other women in her family who share the name Waithira, including her sister and cousins, and pieces together a multigenerational narrative.[1] The film also features the recollections of her elderly uncle, who provides insight into the family's history and ancestral land.[2]
Through these interconnected stories, Waithira explores themes of displacement, migration, identity, and the silencing of women's voices, framing personal genealogy as a form of historical recovery.[1]
Cast
- Eva Munyiri
- Jimmy Kamau Waithira
- Benjamin Fernandez
- Lois Waithira Kamau
- Eric Seme Otero
- Kamau wa Munyiri
- Lois Waithira Wendrock
Production
Waithira was written and directed by Eva Njoki Munyiri.[1] It was co-produced by Munyiri, Stefan Gieren, and Jean Meeran under Team Tarbaby.[1]
Cinematography was handled by Stefan Gieren, Vincent Mbaya, and Munyiri, while editing was completed by Javier Campos.[1] The film has a running time of 72 minutes.[1]
Release and reception
Waithira premiered in 2017 and was screened at several international film festivals, including the Durban International Film Festival and Encounters South African International Documentary Festival.[3][1] It was also featured at the Luxor African Film Festival and the Créteil International Women's Film Festival.[1]
In 2018, the film screened at the Munich International Documentary Film Festival.[3] It received positive critical attention for its personal and reflective storytelling approach.[2]